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Relative efficiency of radiation sources for photopolymerization
Rie Nomoto1, John F McCabe, Keiko Nitta
1Department of Dental Engineering, Tsurumi University School of Dental Medicine, 2-1-3 Tsurumi, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama 230-8501, Japan. nomoto-r@tsurumi-u.ac.jp
Odontology
|July 30, 2009
Summary
New-generation light-emitting diode (LED) units offer higher irradiance and cure depth for dental composites compared to older LED, tungsten-halogen, and plasma arc systems. While causing a greater temperature rise, they demonstrate superior efficiency in curing light-cured resins.
Area of Science:
- Dental Materials Science
- Photopolymerization Technology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Conventional light sources like tungsten-halogen and plasma arc, along with first-generation light-emitting diode (LED) units, have been used for curing dental composites.
- Evaluating new-generation LED units is crucial for optimizing dental restoration procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the characteristics of new-generation LED curing units with conventional and earlier LED technologies.
- To assess irradiance, surface temperature changes, and composite depth of cure for different light sources.
Main Methods:
- Investigated irradiance (400-515 nm), bovine enamel surface temperature rise, and composite depth of cure for new-generation LED units.
- Compared these parameters against tungsten-halogen, plasma arc, and first-generation LED units.
Main Results:
- New-generation LED units exhibited higher irradiance compared to first-generation LED units.
- A temperature increase of 15-25°C was observed with new-generation LED units, versus 5°C for first-generation units at 10s.
- LED units demonstrated more efficient curing of light-cured composite resins.
Conclusions:
- New-generation LED units offer enhanced irradiance and curing efficiency for dental composites.
- Despite a higher temperature increase, LED technology shows promise for improved photopolymerization outcomes in dentistry.
